Based on the limited time I have, my best course of action is to do my utmost before being told to. Or at least, that should be the case…
“Mom, aren’t those kinds of interrogations police work?”
“I know that.”
This was a matter far outside my jurisdiction, something clearly beyond the scope of an ordinary person like myself. Or so I thought. But my mother appeared ready to don a bulletproof vest and storm in with a police baton in hand. To be honest, both my mother and I might be able to operate on par with special forces. We’ve trained that much and experienced enough life-or-death situations. However, that’s precisely why we shouldn’t readily accept such a task. While my mother dismisses it as easy, I have a child on the way, and I can’t afford to leave Suella a widow if I’m not careful about my safety.
When I calmly pointed out that it was outside our jurisdiction, she replied, “But the police can’t handle it, so they came to us, right? What are you talking about?”
“From my perspective, why should I have to get involved? There are professionals for this, aren’t there? Special forces, or negotiators who handle these kinds of situations? They’re still active, aren’t they?”
Given my mother’s request, I had no intention of refusing to help, but I never expected to be put on the front lines. I thought I would be called upon for some minor assistance, but my assessment was too naive. Instead of helping someone pick a hot chestnut from the fire, I’d be jumping into the flames myself. For starters, as I’ve said repeatedly, both my mother and I are supposed to be ordinary citizens. Why are we being dragged into an incident like this? On television, I could see scattered figures of security forces and a man in a bulletproof vest talking to what appeared to be a team leader. It’s a fundamental rule to leave delicate matters like these to professionals; amateurs have no business being involved.
“It seems like the negotiator’s delaying tactics, or rather, they aren’t listening to his pointless chatter.”
“Don’t call it pointless chatter. They’re doing their job, paid with our taxes.”
However, even those professionals seemed to be struggling. On the other side of the screen, a middle-aged man was trying to communicate with the perpetrator who was giving a speech. But the conversation was one-sided, with talk happening but not truly connecting. The perpetrator babbled excitedly, while the police officers looked progressively exhausted. While I could afford to think it was difficult to talk to someone deranged, my own situation was about to become far less detached. Watching that scene, I realized my mother wasn’t wrong. And my mother was not just willing, but downright eager. A salaryman challenging terrorists. I could say it’s like something out of a manga or anime, but the truth is, I can no longer call myself a salaryman by any stretch of the imagination, and my mother has enough experience that a few guns and bombs wouldn’t faze her anymore. …When I think about it calmly, it’s a bit much to feel a familial connection based on our professions and current activities.
“Alright, but there are several problems. Even if I were to do this, first and foremost, how are we supposed to handle these bombs? Do you have a plan? I absolutely refuse to be a kamikaze in abandoning the hostages.”
With magic power, I can move at high speeds, but whether I could instantly incapacitate dozens of people is questionable. I’m aware I’ve stepped into a realm beyond human capabilities, but that’s with magic power. Without magic, I’m just a well-trained human. It’s impossible for me to exceed the speed of an Olympic medalist. Even if I could subdue one or two people, it would be like throwing a stone into a raging inferno. It would turn this scene into a sea of blood, not just fire. I don’t believe my mother is reckless enough not to understand this, but…
“You’re right. I wouldn’t want that either. Can’t we borrow the military strength you have?”
“…There’s no way we can borrow them.”
For a moment, I pictured the two instructors happily going out. And simultaneously, I imagined them happily subduing the terrorists and sinking them into the ground. Shaking my head to dispel those images, I discreetly looked away. Suella, who was listening to the call, gently shook her head, signifying that it was impossible. If she had said it was possible, that would have been a problem, but given this natural answer, I felt relieved and waited for my mother’s next response.
“Haa, it can’t be helped then. I suppose I’ll have to borrow some special forces acquaintances. If I try hard enough, they’ll surely come.”
“Wait, hold on, Mother! Don’t rush. More importantly, why are you so sure they’ll come? What kind of connections do you have? At the very least, they’re not from the Land of the Free, are they?”
“Who knows where. I have a few ideas. Traveling the world until this age, I’ve managed to make acquaintances in the Marines.”
“No way!”
I blurted it out, and it was a natural reaction. Could anyone remain calm hearing their mother had connections strong enough to borrow special forces from overseas? I asked myself, but then my true feelings surfaced, and I accepted it as something that wasn’t surprising. …Ah, with Mom, it’s plausible. Though I shouted in surprise, I realized I genuinely believed she could do it. Then, the scene of her going to a bar to have a drink and clapping a black man on the shoulder, laughing, came to mind.
“If you call them, it’ll be an international incident!”
“Ah, that’s right. Honestly, this world is such a hassle.”
“You should have thought of that first. I’m grateful this world is built so I can stop my mother’s recklessness.”
Well, after saying all that, even my mother wouldn’t forcefully summon them. Even if there were no personal issues, it would be impossible internationally. From an outward appearance, this is Japan, a peaceful country, not a place for gunfights. Even if my mother was capable of calling in special forces, or perhaps even mercenaries from the underworld’s special forces, she would have the good sense to know that.
“Haa, then I guess I have no choice but to work with my sister.”
“What? If you have allies from the start, why not rely on them?”
“I don’t want to! Meeting her just weighs on me. That’s why I called you.”
“Huh? Were you and your aunt that bad of friends?”
“She resents me for foisting the heir upon her.”
“That’s your own fault, Mom.”
My mother has a sister who is about a decade younger. She’s close in age to me, like an older sister. To me, she’s my aunt, but… I’ve only met her a handful of times. More than that, my mother doesn’t want me to meet her relatives. When I was little, I found it strange and asked her about it.
“It causes trouble. Don’t worry, I’ll raise you properly without needing to rely on those sorts of people.”
She said that with a strong smile, like a formidable woman, and ruffled my hair roughly. Even so, I’ve visited my aunt’s home a few times, and I did meet her then. In contrast to my mother, she was quiet, or perhaps I should say gentle. My mother is the action, and my aunt is the quietness; they are polar opposites. If she doesn’t get along with my mother, she probably doesn’t think highly of me either. But back then, we had a normal relative relationship, receiving sweets and playing together. And from my mother’s statement, I gathered that my aunt doesn’t actually resent me, but rather my mother. Honestly, my mother’s chaotic nature isn’t something that just started.
“Seriously, if you have military strength, there’s even less reason for me to go.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Do you think I can just go to that awkward place alone? If you’re there, Kirie will calm down.”
“You mean as a buffer?”
“It’s not just that. My intuition tells me it’s better for you to be there. It’s a cowardly thing to say, but frankly, I think this mountain is pretty dangerous. Even if I’m fine, a considerable number of civilians will die if you’re not there.”
“…Is that your intuition?”
“Yes. It’s not absolute.”
My mother probably didn’t want to say it that way either. At first, we were talking with jokes, like she was laughing, but her last words were serious, without any hint of playfulness. That’s when my mother is truly in trouble. Knowing that, I…
“…Where do I need to go?”
“Jiro-san.”
I heaved a heavy sigh. I decided to move, releasing the burden I had tried to impose upon myself, telling myself this wasn’t a place for me to interfere. When I heard the word “civilians,” the image of Kaido, Minami, Kitamiya, Katsu, and everyone present lying in a pool of blood flashed through my mind. It was purely theoretical, but not impossible. Understanding that I could overturn that reality, I stood up. Suella called my name as if to stop me.
“…I’m sorry, Suella. I know how painful it is to wait for someone’s return, but this time, it’s truly dangerous. However, I promise you that at the very least, I’ll bring this child back safely. Can you let me go?”
“…No. I thought this might happen when Kaido and the others got involved. But…”
“I understand. I know this isn’t Jiro’s problem to get involved in, and an apology won’t fix it. So, please let me return safely and apologize to your mother. I have no intention of dying without holding my first grandchild.”
Even though she looked apologetic, my mother spoke clearly.
“Yes. I’ll be waiting.”
“I’m sorry, Suella.”
“…”
As I gently embraced her, Suella returned the hug, and Memoria and Himik joined in. During this time, my mother on the phone was silent.
“I’m sorry, but we’re out of time. Jiro, come here. A pickup is already on its way.”
For a few minutes, all we felt was each other’s warmth. We stood in a silent embrace, but time was pressing. Unable to bring my equipment, I slowly let go at my mother’s words, changed into more comfortable clothes, and prepared to leave.
“Good luck.”
“Master, we’ll be waiting.”
“I’m going.”
Memoria and Himik saw me off at the entrance. Suella had gone further into the room and wasn’t present. I thought she must have been exasperated this time. I gave a wry smile, didn’t utter “sorry” or “thank you,” simply stated I was leaving, and was about to go.
“Jiro-san! Here.”
But Suella, who had come running from the back, holding her stomach, came out to the entrance, and called out to me. In Suella’s hand was a wooden pendant.
“What is this?”
“It’s a magic item for us staff to use when operating outside the company.”
Was this the same item she used on our date at the festival?
“I’ve infused it with my magic power. If you use it in a pinch, it can temporarily put the magic crest into a state similar to a magic-depleted condition. I can’t bring weapons or armor, but at least this.”
“Is it alright?”
“If a written reprimand reduces Jiro-san’s danger, it’s no problem.”
Technically, taking such an item outside the company without permission is problematic. Moreover, I’m about to meet an organization from theMysterious side, possibly existing in this world, Japan. If it’s discovered, it’ll be trouble. Suella wants me to take it, knowing all this. It should be more than just a reprimand.
“In that case, I’ll add this too.”
As I hesitated to accept it, Memoria placed her palm over Suella’s outstretched hand and began to infuse it with magic.
“Adding my magic power to Suella’s will increase safety.”
“Hey, that’s not fair! Let me add my magic power too.”
Once Memoria finished, Himik was next to infuse it with magic. After they finished, Suella gently offered it to me.
“Honestly, I’ll have to write a reprimand when I get back too.”
“Yes, so please return quickly.”
“I will.”
I couldn’t refuse something like that. With a wry smile to cover my embarrassment, I gently accepted it.
“I’m leaving.”
” ” “Have a safe trip!” ” ”
Well, I suppose I’ll be working overtime on my day off.
Today’s word: I’ll try to get this done quickly and head home early.
That’s all for today. If you found this interesting, please leave reviews, ratings, and bookmarks.
*The first volume of the novel has been decided to be published by Hayakawa Bunko JA. It was released on October 18, 2018. The e-book version was released on October 31 of the same year. Volume two was released on December 19, and volume three on February 20, 2019. The content has been revised and expanded from the version posted on Shousetsuka ni Narou, with the addition of unpublished inter-chapters. Please check out the new releases!
*A manga adaptation has also been decided for Kodansha’s “Young Magazine The Third.”
